The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries,
includes 2.2 million members in approximately 8,100 Posts worldwide.
Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through
veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national
defense.
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War
(1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations
to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or
sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left
to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations
with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United
States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the
movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936,
membership was almost 200,000.
Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans
Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the
national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed
to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, VFW
won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century,
giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty servicemembers,
and members of the Guard and Reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The VFW also has fought for improving VA medical centers services for women
veterans.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and
Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans'
organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life
Memorial, which is being constructed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to
open in 2010.
In 2001, VFW unveiled its tribute to service and country with its dedication of
Centennial Plaza.
Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of
volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day
and National Volunteer Week.
From providing $2.5 million in college scholarships to high school students
every year to encouraging elevation of the Veterans Administration to the
president's cabinet, the VFW is there--honoring the dead by helping the
living.
Our Mission